Bessie Smith News

Lookingglass Theatre Company, in association with Dark Harbor Stories, present the U.S. Premiere of Beyond Caring, written and directed by Alexander Zeldin.

???????The indomitable Baby Jane Dexter continues to march to her own drummer as she resurrects her critically acclaimed "Body & Soul" for three encore performances at the Metropolitan Room in March and April.

The City Of Las Vegas presents ROBERTA DONNAY & the Prohibition Mob.

Fledgling theatre company, RKJB Entertainment's production of an original work by Robert King, Jr, FOR THE LOVE OF MAHALIA, currently playing at the Boyd Vance Theatre, has problems, but ultimately its message is poignant and important.

Rubicon Theatre Company celebrates Black History Month with THE DEVIL'S MUSIC: THE LIFE AND BLUES OF BESSIE SMITH, starring singer and actress Miche Braden of the original Off-Broadway production (named one of the 10 Best Off-Broadway productions of the year by the N.Y. Daily Times). Described by CBC as a, "bawdy, bluesy, boozy rollicking night out at the theatre," the show follows the life, loves and career of blues and jazz singer Bessie Smith, called the "Empress of the Blues." 

From the Broadway stage to the Pulitzer Prize, back to Broadway, and now as a film adaptation with four Oscar nominations, FENCES has riveted audiences for more than 30 years. The film, directed by and starring Denzel Washington, is nominated for Best Picture, with Washington and Viola Davis nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress. The fourth nomination is for the drama's original playwright August Wilson for Best Adapted Screenplay. Wilson died in 2005. Wilson left behind an indelible legacy of dramatic work, having penned the ambitious American Century Cycle of ten plays focusing on the African-American experience in the 20th century.

Playwright Lanie Robertson's alternately harrowing and exhilarating work, LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL, is an intriguing take on Billie Holiday's final performance in 1959. Holiday was a jazz singer who could captivate an audience with her unique vocal style, which combined elements of Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith, two performers she idolized growing up. She had a storied career and tumultuous life that was further undone by drug and alcohol addictions that would leave her dead from heart failure and cirrhosis of the liver. But, her legacy is undeniable, and this play allows us to see her talent, as well as the demons that haunted her. Max & Louie Productions is presenting a superlative production of this work which is smartly crafted and brilliantly performed.

It's been 80 years since Bessie Smith, the celebrated Empress of the Blues, died a lonely death, after an auto accident on a desolate Mississippi road. Contrary to legend, Smith did not bleed to death after being refused admission to a white Southern hospital. That story was related to Down Beat magazine by Columbia Records impresario John Hammond, who later apologized, saying that it was all based on hearsay. But her injuries were severe enough so that when she was taken to the nearest hospital (which happened to be one that accepted blacks), that she was beyond saving, and died at the young age of 43.

Long Wharf Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, presents the world premiere of Napoli, Brooklyn by Meghan Kennedy, directed by Edelstein.

Granny's Blue-Mers, featuring Rev. Mary and her Ladies of Lustful Lyrics begin a series of concerts at some of New York's hottest hot-spots. First stop on this tour is a 10:30 p.m. show today, February 18 at the trendy Freddy's Bar, 627 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY, heralded by the New York Times and Esquire, among others.

Long Wharf Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, present the world premiere of Napoli, Brooklyn by Meghan Kennedy, directed by Edelstein.

Joe's Pub at the Public has announced its nightly performances, running February 15-26, 2017. Scroll down for more information, and visit www.joespub.com for a complete list of shows!

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and Deaf West Theatre (DWT), the performing arts organizations behind the Tony Award-nominated and Ovation Award-winning revival of Spring Awakening, reunite to bring multiple Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Edward Albee's At Home at the Zoo to life in an innovative and new production. Edward Albee's At Home at the Zoo begins previews on March 7 and will open in the Lovelace Studio Theater at The Wallis on Friday, March 10. It will run through March 26. This production is made possible by the generous support of Meeghan and Michael Nemeroff.

Creative Cauldron's production of BLUES IN THE NIGHT, directed by Matt Conner, spotlights a strong four-person cast that delivers 26 songs by Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, and other early jazz legends. Backed by a live band led by Walter 'Bobby' McCoy and surrounded with a sultry set, these singers enthrall.

Rubicon Theatre Company celebrates Black History Month with THE DEVIL'S MUSIC: THE LIFE AND BLUES OF BESSIE SMITH, starring singer and actress Miche Braden of the original Off-Broadway production (named one of the 10 Best Off-Broadway productions of the year by the N.Y. Daily Times). Described by CBC as a, "bawdy, bluesy, boozy rollicking night out at the theatre," the show follows the life, loves and career of blues and jazz singer Bessie Smith, called the "Empress of the Blues."

Creative Cauldron presents the Tony-Award Nominated Musical Blues in the Night, directed by Creative Cauldron's Artistic Associate, Matt Conner. Set in a rundown hotel in Chicago 1938, Blues in the Night was conceived and originally directed by Sheldon Epps.

Everyone needs a little love. Good thing Joe's Pub has got a ton of it going on in the next couple of weeks. This weekend - Cathy Cervenka and Corn Mo host their annual Valentine's Day duet bonanza - Love Bites - on the 12th. Afterward, Xavier is back with his Ladies of Soul tribute, featuring Martha Redbone, Bright Light Bright Light, Anastacia McCleskey (of Waitress The Musical on Broadway), Toshi Reagon, Justin Johnston and Abena Koomson!

See what's going on this week at Blue Note Napa!

Creative Cauldron presents the Tony-Award Nominated Musical Blues in the Night, directed by Creative Cauldron's Artistic Associate, Matt Conner. Set in a rundown hotel in Chicago 1938, Blues in the Night was conceived and originally directed by Sheldon Epps.

Granny's Blue-Mers, featuring Rev. Mary and her Ladies of Lustful Lyrics begin a series of concerts at some of New York's hottest hot-spots. First stop on this tour is a 10:30 p.m. show on Saturday, February 18 at the trendy Freddy's Bar, 627 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY, heralded by the New York Times and Esquire, among others.